Why Choose Zephyr?
Zephyr Education assists one of the most vulnerable . . .
Zephyr Education assists one of the most vulnerable groups in our community — children whose lives and schooling have been disrupted by domestic and family violence.
Our goal is to ensure that children who arrive at a DFV shelter or other support organisation will be able to start at their new school, fully equipped, as soon as possible – usually within 48 hours.
We are all unpaid volunteers and so almost every dollar we receive is spent on uniforms and other school essentials to get these children back to school.
Why we help them
A drastic consequence of the upheaval in these children's lives is that their education is often severely disrupted. Many leave their homes urgently without school books and other items.
Because these children will be attending a new school, their current uniforms are no longer appropriate. This makes their transition far more difficult — without the proper clothing and equipment, they stand out from the other children at a time when it is vital for their self-confidence that they fit in.
Without the relevant textbooks and exercise books, children can also quickly fall behind in their schooling, compounding the impact of an already traumatic experience.
See the difference you can make
Your donation will give a child whose life has been disrupted by domestic and family violence the best chance of successfully restarting their education. Here is what your support can provide:
Story of two little girls
We received a request from a First Nations DFV shelter for uniforms and school packs for two little girls who had arrived one Saturday. The shelter manager said the girls were terrified about starting at their new school the following week.
After receiving their new uniforms and school packs on the Monday, they spent the afternoon parading around the shelter in their uniforms and were so excited, they couldn't wait to go to school.
They spent the afternoon parading around the shelter in their uniforms and were so excited, they couldn't wait to go to school.
A message from one of the founders
Zephyr Education helps one of the most vulnerable groups in our community — children whose lives and education have been disrupted by domestic and family violence. Our mission is to help them get back to school as quickly as possible by supplying, or paying for:
- School uniforms and shoes
- Laptops and iPads if the school has a bring-your-own-device policy
- Stationery and textbooks specific to the year and school they will be attending
- School bags and everything else they will need at their new school
- Camp fees and school-related sports expenses
Many of these children arrive at DFV shelters with just the clothes they are wearing. It is vital for their self-esteem and continuing education that they fit in at their new school by having the same uniform, books and equipment as the other children. Children who stand out because they don't have the correct uniform face a higher risk of being bullied at an already extremely difficult time in their lives.
Staff from the shelters and other DFV support organisations confirm that the educational needs of the children they care for were not being addressed until Zephyr commenced in 2013, originally under the name Zephyr Foundation. Zephyr is based in Brisbane but now operates in all Australian States and Territories.
We often receive feedback from shelter staff confirming that the support we provide is not only vital but transformational. Here are just two examples:
Yesterday we collected the school uniforms. The boys had a heap of fun unwrapping shirts and shorts, laughing and giggling together trying everything on.
Today I picked up the back packs, shoes and book packs. The reaction of the 7-year-old was so beautiful and quite emotional. He was in complete awe that people had put in so much work and effort. When he opened the shoes, he cried and said "I'm so happy, these shoes are new and they don't even have holes in them". I will admit it made me cry as well.
Please know that you have made two little boys feel loved and cared for.
Your donation will make a huge difference in the lives of these children and, as Zephyr Education is run entirely by volunteers, almost every dollar we receive is spent on the children's school needs. Donations are tax deductible.
Thank you for your support.
Ready to make a difference?
Every dollar you donate goes directly to helping a child get back to school. Your generosity changes lives — sometimes within just 48 hours.
♥ Donate todayZephyr Education Limited is a registered charity. All donations are tax deductible.